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People often think of introversion as a weakness. And there are aspects of introversion that can keep you from collaborating with others and/or withdrawing from others when under pressure.

However intoversion is also a positive trait. Let me share a short story of two introverts … and extrovert.

The introverts were both INTJs on the Myers-Briggs scale. The “I” stands for introversion. They were close friend with an ENTJ where the “E” designates introversion. All three were working on their doctorates while teaching a heavy work load.

When an introvert (I-NTJ) on the Myers-Briggs scale feelS a need to relax they withdraw and recharge their batteries by being alone or with a very select group of close friends.

All three received very positive teaching reviews from their students. Remember, introverts are not necessarily shy but rather people who prefer being alone when they need to recharge their energy. All three had the gift of teaching ( 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-14, Rom. 12:7, Acts 18:24-28, 20:20-21) and all three came to life and energized their students. Students subsequently thought all three must be extroverts. But the three friends knew that two of them were not.

You could tell who are introverts and who is the extrovert because at the end of the day, when they were done teaching, the introverts would withdraw to their studies and work on their research. At the end of the day when the extrovert had finished teaching, he would usually retreat with many of his friends and spend the evening shooting the breeze. This is one difference between how introverts and extroverts relax and recharge.

Not surprisingly, the introverts finished their PhD studies. And the extrovert? He went on to an executive position within his organization. But he never finished his doctoral work. To this day, people love hanging out with him. But his first career path was hampered when years of work did not culminate in the degree he sought.

Most people think I am the extrovert in this story.

But I was one of the two introverts. I love people and enjoy being around them. But often when introverts need to recharge their energy they do so through quietness/solitude … perhaps withdrawing to their books, their Bible and just a few very close friends.

This tale of two introverts can remind us that extroversion AND introversion can be assets … when applied to the right careers.

Commentary by Dr. Whitesel: People are surprised to find out that I am an INTJ on the Myers-Briggs scale. This means I am an introvert. But introverts aren’t shy, we just get revitalized by alone time (that makes scholarship easier). Read this article about what makes us more productive in the workplace.

by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West, Huffington Post, 1/27/16.

Introverts are valuable employees. We bring creativity, dedication, and self-motivation to any task we focus on. According to Marti Laney, author of The Introvert Advantage,

“Introverts are thoughtful, imaginative, tend to work independently and think outside the box. Introverts are keen observers and sensitive listeners.”

When we imagine our ideal workplace, it looks more like a library full of quiet rooms and isolated carrels than the ball-pit and bullpen situation start-ups are currently obsessed with. As introverts, we may be outnumbered by extroverts at start-ups. According to Laney, “The introvert is pressured daily, almost from the moment of awakening, to respond and conform to the outer world.” This need to conform can be tiring. But we promise, with just a few tweaks in the workplace, you could make us very happy.

Here are a few guidelines to help us out:

1. Open floor plans take years off our lives. If possible, give us our own space.

QUIET REVOLUTION

2. In planning employee bonding activities, look beyond the noisy “all-company mixers.” We can be intensely social, but prefer one-on-one or small group interactions.

QUIET REVOLUTION

3. If you want us to speak up at all-hands meetings, provide an agenda, and put us on it. We do best when we can think before we share our thoughts…